IR Topic Hub

FUTURE-SPEC – Mazda MX-5 and CX-3 Platforms Reborn as Scion S-FR and Scion iD

A few months ago, Toyota and Mazda announced a major partnership in vehicle development and production. The Mazda2’s conversion into the US-exclusive four-door Scion iA is a huge hit, and the two Japanese rivals seemed eager to deepen the bond. There may have been an equity swap to even seal their newly-strong link. But details on the ground were — and are — very secret. What are they working on together? PART ONE: The S-FR As the months pass, we have a much clearer idea: specific Toyota variants of Mazda platforms. The S-FR sports coupe for the Tokyo auto show …

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Oct 15, 2015 Read more

Atlanta Dream Cars – 1935 Bugatti 57S Competition Coupe Aerolithe Wears Gorgeous Elektron Magnesium Panels

This Bugatti’s name really rolls off the tongue quite nicely – even without much car for the accents and the pronunciation. Perhaps that is because the principles of speed competitions, swoopy two-doors and lightweight, low-drag machines are so important today. Those last two really nail the brilliance of this one home. Light and smooth was the goal of this shape, in an era when most cars (and drivers!) would be terrified above 30-mph. This car could easily double that, and perhaps go on to about 75-mph before the tires and brakes became a serious liability. My apologies that these photos …

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Jul 08, 2014 Read more

Atlanta Dream Cars – 1955 Chrysler Streamline X Gilda by GHIA is Turbine Aero Ideal

Man, when your iPhone comes home with better photos than your Nikon — you know you were in the wrong settings. Very, very strict photo protocols were in place at the Atlanta High Museum of Art’s Dream Cars installation — which is a shame, really. It turns out, after speaking with the very kind, smart and helpful media liaison upon my return to Charleston Monday morning — that the concern was not about photos of the cars at all. No one told he gestapo of hourly blue-coats, however, who were incredibly irritating. In fact, the entire photo ban was to …

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Jun 13, 2014 Read more